Vestnik Kavkaza
In 1992, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine formed the Business Council of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) to assist their governments in enhancing the integration of the Black Sea region into the world economy. On the initiative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Russian National Committee, which coordinates the activities of Russian business and social structures associated with the BSEC was established as well. Committee chairman Viktor Arkhipov has talked to Vestnik Kavkaza about the prospects of the BSEC and the development of economic relations with the countries of the South Caucasus.
- How can the program of the BSEC change in connection with the world economic crisis?
- We have been in a state of crisis since 2008 and the program [of cooperation] is only getting better, and all the latest figures indicate an increase in turnover. For example, turnover with Bulgaria increased in 2013 in comparison with 2012. Turnover with Serbia increased by 13%. However, Serbia and Bulgaria deliver goods to us and we supply mainly raw materials.
- What are the areas of cooperation with the countries of the South Caucasus?
- Armenia has just handed over the BSEC chairmanship to Bulgaria. We had a business meeting in December in Yerevan. During its chairmanship, Armenia intensified contacts with businessmen from Russia and other Black Sea countries. Armenia has very good logistics with Turkey, trade turnover between them has increased. Of course, there are objective difficulties for transport links between Russia and Armenia. But if you go to any large supermarket in Moscow, you'll see, for example, trout grown in Armenia. Tens of thousands of tons of farmed trout is now available in Russia.
With Georgia we have a special relationship today, and, of course, there is no such trade turnover. We have contacts in the framework of the Business Council with Georgian representatives.
As for Azerbaijan, we have a great relationship with this country. Azerbaijan is now promoting its dairy products, we have been doing it together. We have very good contacts with the Federation of Industrialists of Azerbaijan, headed by Mr Musaev. A year ago we were supporting the candidacy of a representative of Azerbaijan running for the Secretary General of the BSEC Business Council. Today, a representative of Azerbaijan, Mr. Zulfarov serves as the Secretary General of the BSEC Business Council.
The Chamber of Commerce is working very well in Abkhazia. The chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and the mayor of Sukhumi are members of the International Black Sea Club, which consists of representatives of mayors of the Black Sea coastal cities. Today the chairman of the Black Sea club is the mayor of the city of Azov, Mr. Bezdolny. This organization participates as an observer on the BSEC Business Council. As a member of the Board of Directors I work a lot with this organization, and we are doing everything to increase trade between Abkhazia and Russia through the Chamber of Commerce.
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Speaking about cooperation within the BSEC in general, Victor Arkhipov said: "Now we are talking about establishing an energy "ring" in all the countries, including along the coastal highways, communication between ports, tourism and ferries. Of course, Russia is a supplier of raw materials and equipment, but I would like to draw your attention to the fact that we represent mostly the interests of small and medium-sized businesses and that there is a lot to be done in this regard."
Viktor Arkhipov: "There are excellent relations between Azerbaijan and the BSEC"
